Job Title: Athletic Trainer

Department: Hockey Operations

Reports to: Head Coach

Compensation: The annual budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000.

What It’s Like Working Here:

At the Chicago Steel, our commitment to development isn’t just on the ice. While our shared goal is to advance the next generation of hockey players, we are fiercely dedicated to ensuring all of our employees are equipped with the tools to not only be successful, but thrive in their career. With a fun, collaborative culture and plenty of room for impact, the Chicago Steel is the perfect place for any sports business professional eager to find a people-driven home and great opportunity for growth and advancement.

This position is 100% in-person and is based at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva, IL for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season. The Steel will relocate to downtown Chicago following the 2025-2026 season with the club’s hockey operations office relocating to the Blackhawks Ice Center.

The Ideal Candidate:

The successful candidate will perform all functions of a certified Athletic Trainer at all team practices, preseason training camp, preseason, regular season and playoff games, and the team’s Tryout Camp in June. This individual will provide outstanding care to all players. In addition to required certifications, the individual should possess excellent communications skills, a strong sense of professionalism, a strong understanding of the sport of hockey, and the ability and desire to work traditional and non-traditional hours including nights, weekends and holidays.

The Top Shelf:
Take the next step in your hockey career with “The Dopest Non-NHL Franchise in Hockey” (Elite Prospects) as the Athletic Trainer for the Chicago Steel, working with future NHL and NCAA talent.

How You’ll Contribute:

• Perform all functions of a USHL Athletic Trainer including all team practices, pre-season training camp, pre-season, regular season and playoff games, Rookie Weekend, and the team’s Tryout and Development Camps in June
• Communicate to Head Coach players that are unavailable to practice or play due to injury, and, along with team medical personnel, develop a treatment plan to be communicated with Head Coach
• Coordinate player treatment times and doctor appointments and follow up with players ensure that they adhere to the schedule and are on time with all appointments. You will be asked from time to time to accompany players to the hospital or scheduled appointments.
• Work closely with Director, Performance/Sport Science on training and recovery plans for players
• Maintain organized insurance records for all players and adhere to all HIPPA requirements
• Assist players and their parents whenever possible in answering questions or seeking out answers related to primary or secondary insurance
• Communicate with team medical personnel such as team physician, chiropractor, dentist, mental health professionals and any other authorized personnel to ensure the best treatment for all players. Ensure that team physician (fellow) is scheduled for all home games.
• Along with Equipment Manager, prepare for all practices and games. This will include preparing ice bags, water bottles, Gatorade, towels, suture kits, snacks, trainer’s pack for the bench and organization of the training area for all road games.
• Prepare an “Emergency Action Plan” for all home games, ensuring that hockey staff, front office staff and arena staff are prepared
• Serve as liaison between Steel and visiting team’s athletic trainer
• Follow all USHL requirements for home and visiting teams
• Attend all team practices, home and road games (and road trips) and select community events as determined by Head Coach. This will include nights, weekends and holidays.

Player Stats and Qualifications:

• NATABOC certified (required)
• Illinois Licensed (required)
• Graston, ART, Manual Therapy experience (preferred)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from accredited athletic training education program.
• Minimum 1-3 years of successful athletic training (hockey experience is strongly preferred).
• Outstanding communication skills – this is essential in communicating with players, parents, coaches and physicians
• Strong sense of professionalism and friendly in-person demeanor
• The desire to embrace a team-first mentality
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment while juggling many tasks at once. Excellent time management is required. Ability to perform physical tasks associated with position including lifting and moving boxes.

Perks and Benefits:

Competitive total rewards package, full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid life insurance), comprehensive PTO package, social events, volunteer opportunities, focused learning and development, and access to United Center events.

About the Team:

The Chicago Steel, members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), are celebrating their 26th season and are one of the most decorated junior hockey teams in the world in recent years.

Since 2015, the Steel have won two Clark Cup Championships (2017 and 2021), two Anderson Cup Championships (regular season titles), and three conference championships. Since the inaugural 2000-2001 season, nearly 400 Chicago Steel players have played Division I hockey, and 63?Steel?alumni have been selected in the NHL draft, including seven first-round selections. Off the ice, the Steel boasts a vibrant, aspirational staff dedicated to continued attendance growth built on providing an outstanding fan experience.

In the summer of 2026, the Steel will move from Geneva, IL to the west side of Chicago and will begin play at the brand-new USG Arena at Blackhawks Ice Center.

The Chicago Steel is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases.